Head of Primary Education Department (100%)

The Zurich University of Teacher Education actively shapes education, school and teaching of today and tomorrow in teaching and research. As one of three departments of the Vice-Rectorate for Compulsory School Education, the Primary Education Department, as the largest department of the Zurich University of Teacher Education, is responsible for the degree programmes for training future teachers of the primary level (KUst, Primary or Cycle 1 and 2). The course of study is future-proof, scientifically based and practice-oriented and takes place in close cooperation with the school sector.

• You jointly design the scientifically based, practice-oriented and future-proof training of primary level teachers for Cycle 1 and 2 with colleagues and ensure its high quality.
• You develop the degree programmes innovatively and sustainably and position them within the educational landscape.
• You bear overall responsibility for the strategic, professional, personnel, organisational and financial management of the department and ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• You represent the department internally and externally, are responsible for its communication and maintain cooperation within the university as well as with cantonal, national and international educational partners.
• As a member of the Vice-Rectorate management, you further develop the Vice-Rectorate for Compulsory School Education across departments and contribute to the development of the university in committees and working groups.
• You shape a joint leadership practice together with the deputy head of department based on a shared understanding of leadership and clearly agreed responsibilities.

• University degree preferably in educational sciences with a doctorate
• Excellent leadership and management skills with a strong understanding of complex system interrelationships
• Several years of leadership experience at a senior level in the context of a university of teacher education, preferably in the training area, as well as corresponding leadership training
• Solid experience in organisational and curriculum development is desirable
• Several years of teaching experience in teacher education at a university of teacher education and thus a Swiss teaching diploma as well as corresponding higher education didactic qualification
• Profound knowledge of the Swiss compulsory school system and the Swiss education system
• Networking with universities of teacher education and universities at home and abroad as well as the school sector
• Solution-oriented, integrous, reliable and proactive personality with high social competence and ability to work in a team

The PH Zurich offers you more than a centrally located workplace at Zurich main station with good employment conditions and attractive further training opportunities. You can expect a responsible and varied leadership role in a dynamic environment, motivated and highly qualified colleagues as well as attractive, contemporary employment conditions and excellent digital infrastructure.

What defines us can be found here .

Please submit your complete application dossier by 7 December 2026 exclusively via our online application platform. We prefer direct applications and ask for your understanding that we do not consider personnel agencies or email applications.